 Pakistan survive scare to beat Hong Kong
25th Jun 2008 09:01 IST
Agencies
Pakistan made Hong Kong realise the gruels of top-level international cricket, handing them a crushing 155-run defeat in a Group B match of the Asia Cup at National stadium in Karachi Tuesday night.
Electing to bat, Pakistan overcame early hiccups to post an imposing 288/9 and then stopped Hong Kong at 133/9 in 37.2 overs to make an easy winning start.
Hong Kong innings folded without losing all ten wickets as Zain Abbas did not complete his innings after retiring at individual score of 26, which was also highest for them.
Hong Kong, led by Tabarak Dar, did well in the first part stopping Pakistan from reaching 300 but scoring against experienced attack was the real test of their batting line up.
Sohail Tanvir put up a brilliant all round show in Pakistan's victory as he first played a crucial 59-run knock and then picked up two wickets to pile up agony for Hong Kong.
The pace trio of Tanvir (2/20), Umar Gul and Rao Iftikhar (2/18) intimidated, bruised and then devastated the opponent batting.
Tanvir, Anjum and spinning all rounder Shahid Afridi, who once again failed with the bat, shared six wickets among them.
It was a brave start by Hong Kong as skipper Tabarak Dar and Skhawat Ali put on 27 without loss but Dar had to leave the crease after receiving a nasty blow by Gul.
A bouncer hit the grill of the helmet, leaving Dar stunned and forced to put a break on his innings though fortunately he was not injured seriously.
The side never recovered from the blow dealt to their captain and kept losing wickets. From none for 27 they were reduced to 3/32 as Tanvir and Iftikhar rocked the top-order.
It was a lost battle for Hong Kong as they found the going tough against formidable Pakistan attack. Batsmen walked back to Pavilion one after another and it was easy for Pakistan.
After pacers did their job well, Pakistan spinners in Afridi and Fawad Alam and even skipper Shoaib Malik carried forward the good work. They kept a tight line, giving no chance to opponents free their arms.
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